Portland, Oregon originated as a place called "The Clearing" on the
Willamette River about half-way between Oregon City and Fort Vancouver.
Early on, Portland was overshadowed by Oregon City, the capital 12 miles to
the north. Portland was the major port in the Pacific Northwest until the
1890s when direct railroad access between Seattle and points east were
built. Because of natural landmarks and urban planning, today Portland is an
easy city to navigate because the city is split into quadrants.
Portland, Oregon originated as a place called "The Clearing" on the
Willamette River about half-way between Oregon City and Fort Vancouver.
Early on, Portland was overshadowed by Oregon City, the capital 12 miles to
the north. Portland was the major port in the Pacific Northwest until the
1890s when direct railroad access between Seattle and points east were
built. Because of natural landmarks and urban planning, today Portland is an
easy city to navigate because the city is split into quadrants.
